Western appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1885-18??, 1887-07-09
oldierly greeting and extandine 10 them

soldierly greeting and extending to them a
cordial invitation to be the guests of the
Philadelphia Brigade, which had met them
N hostile array in the old days. May our
stay here, said he, ssbe one of pleasure to
each OF us, and Of fraternal greeting that
shall guide us to higher resolves fer per-
petuating the Union and the CONSTITUTIONS
On behalf of Pickett's Veterans, Capt G.
T. Reeve, OF Richmond, responded, tender
ing the sincere thanks of himself and COM
Colonel A. *. Mcclure, of Philadelphia,
then extended welcome from the citizens
OF Philadelphia particularly, and from the
State OF Pennsylvania generally, to the Vir-
glnlans. Col. VIM. r. Aylett, who succeed
ed General Armstead and was commander
OF the brigade upon the death Of Armstead,
responded on behalf Of the State of Vir-
ginia, to Pennsyl vania's welcome.
Speeches were also made by Gen. W. F.
(Baldyl Smith, Gen. Joshua Tower, Gen.
Isaac Westar, Col. John T. Taggart and
others for the Blue, 2 and by Col. Charles
T.Loehr, Secretary of Pickett Division AS
ISOLATION, Col. j. f. Croker, Col Robert M
Stribiing, DIR. ]. A. Marshall, Col. Tinoleum
Smith, Col Kirk Otey and others on behalf
of the ssGrays ;, John W. Frazier, secretary
OF the committee on arrangements, stated
that letters ofregret had been received from
the President and cabinet, from Senator
Sherman, Gov. Ntzhugh Lee, Hon. Geo. W
Childs, George William Curtis, Charles A.
Dana and others
PRESIDENT cLEvELAND's LETTER.
was read It was as follows:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. c.,
June "a, 1857 have received your invita-.
ton to attend, as guest of the Philadelphia
soldiers of Pickett's Division who survived
their terrible charge at Gettysburg and
those of the Union army still living by whom
It was heroically resisted. A faternal
meeting of the soldiers upon the battlefield,
where twenty -four years ago in deadly fray
they fiercely sought each others lives, where
they saw their comrades fall, and where all
thoughts were of vengeance and destruc-
ton, illustrates the general impulse of brave
men, and theirsshonest desire for peace and
reconciliation. The friendly assault there
to be made resistless because inspired by
American chivalry, and its results will be
glorious because conquered hearts will be
the trophies of its success. Hereafter this
battlefield will be consecrated by q victory
which shall presage the end of the bitter
ness OF strife, the exposure of insincerity
which conceals hatred by professions Of
Peals to passion for unworthy purposes; and
the beating down of all that stands in the
way OF the destiny of our united country.
While those who fought and who have SO
much to forgive lead in the pleasant ways
OF peace, how wicked appears the traffic in
sectional hatred and betrayal of patriotic
sentiment! 1t surely cannot b., wrong to
desire the settled quiet which lights for the
entire country the path to prosperity and
greatness; nor need the lessons of the wal
be forgotten and its results jeopardized in
the wish for that genuine fraternity which
inspires national pride and glory. I should
be very glad to accept your invitation and
be with you at this interesting reunion, but
other arrangements already made and nv
official duties here will prevent my doing SO.
Hoping the occasion will be as successful
and useful as its promoters can DESIRE am,
yours very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND.
The utmost enthusiasm prevailed during
the whole proceedings and after reading the
Presid ent's letter was finished three cheers
were given for the President of the United
States The festivities lasted till late hour
and then the first camp fire ever held be-
tween the Blue and Gray was over.
On the 3rd, thousands upon thousands of
visitors poured into Gettsburg upon excur-
sion trains, and the day was passed in sight
seeing, and during the afternoon a meeting
was held and numerous addresses made on
the battle ground of July 3, 1868, in the
course Of which the various monuments
were duly dedicated with most interesting
addresses and "reminiscences.